Bring A Trailer (BaT) has become a prominent name in the online classic car auction world. While initially a platform for aggregating interesting car listings from across the web, it has evolved into a curated auction site, drawing both praise and skepticism from automotive enthusiasts and sellers alike. As someone deeply entrenched in the car repair world and familiar with the nuances of classic vehicles, I’ve had a firsthand experience selling a car on BaT, and it offered valuable insights into the platform’s process, advantages, and potential pitfalls. This guide will delve into the intricacies of using Bring a Trailer to sell your classic car, providing expert advice to navigate the platform effectively and maximize your sale potential.
bmw 2002 front
Image: A vibrant orange BMW 2002, a classic car model often seen on Bring a Trailer, illustrating the type of vehicles popular on the auction site.
Understanding the Bring a Trailer Auction Experience
For those accustomed to platforms like eBay Motors, Bring a Trailer presents a different auction environment. BaT operates as a curated platform, meaning not every car submitted is accepted for auction. This selectivity aims to maintain a certain level of quality and interest for its audience, which largely consists of serious car collectors and enthusiasts. This curation is both a strength and a potential hurdle for sellers. It suggests a higher caliber of vehicles and bidders, but it also means your car must meet BaT’s standards to be listed.
One significant difference lies in the auction description process. Unlike eBay, where sellers typically write their own descriptions, Bring a Trailer takes a more hands-on approach. They assign an “Auction Specialist” who drafts the listing description in BaT’s consistent “house voice.” While this ensures a uniform presentation across the site, it can sometimes lack the nuanced details and personal touch that a seller might prefer. Furthermore, BaT encourages community interaction through comments on each auction listing. This feature can be beneficial, as knowledgeable users may contribute valuable insights or spot inaccuracies, but it can also lead to unnecessary nitpicking or distracting commentary.
Another key aspect of Bring a Trailer is its auction timing mechanism. Instead of a fixed end time, BaT employs a dynamic bidding system. If a bid is placed within the final two minutes of the auction, the clock extends by another two minutes. This “soft close” is designed to prevent last-second sniping and encourage competitive bidding, potentially driving up the final sale price.
Weighing Bring a Trailer Against Other Auction Options
When considering selling a classic car online, platforms like eBay Motors are often the primary alternative to Bring a Trailer. Both platforms offer the potential to reach a wide audience of buyers and facilitate online transactions. However, there are critical differences to consider.
eBay Motors provides sellers with greater control over their listings. Sellers write their descriptions, set their own reserve prices (if any), and manage the auction process more directly. eBay’s auction format typically has a fixed end time, which can be both advantageous and disadvantageous depending on bidding activity. eBay’s reach is vast, but it also encompasses a broader range of vehicles, potentially diluting the focus on classic or collectible cars.
Bring a Trailer, in contrast, specializes in vintage, classic, and enthusiast vehicles. Its curated approach attracts a more targeted audience of serious buyers specifically interested in these types of cars. While BaT’s description process is less hands-on for sellers initially, it aims for a consistent, professional presentation. The dynamic bidding system is designed to maximize auction prices, which can be a significant advantage for sellers of desirable classic cars.
Choosing between BaT and eBay (or other platforms) depends on the specific car and the seller’s priorities. For highly desirable, well-maintained classic cars, Bring a Trailer’s curated audience and auction format can often yield higher returns. For more common classics, projects, or cars with broader appeal, eBay Motors might offer a more straightforward and accessible selling process.
Rob Siegel – Bring A Trailer – Mike
Image: A screenshot of a Bring a Trailer auction listing, highlighting the platform’s layout and presentation of vehicle information to potential buyers.
Preparing Your Classic Car for Bring a Trailer Auction
Regardless of the chosen platform, meticulous preparation is crucial for a successful classic car sale. When considering Bring a Trailer specifically, the emphasis on visual presentation and transparent disclosure is paramount.
Comprehensive Photography and Videography: High-quality images and videos are essential to showcasing your car effectively on BaT. Prospective buyers are making decisions based on what they see online, so visual documentation must be thorough and compelling. This includes:
- Exterior Shots: Capture the car from all angles in good lighting, highlighting its paint, body lines, and overall condition.
- Interior Shots: Showcase the interior condition, including seats, dashboard, carpets, and any unique features.
- Undercarriage Photos and Video: For classic cars, rust is a major concern. Detailed undercarriage shots and a walk-around video demonstrating the car’s structural integrity are highly recommended.
- Detail Shots: Photograph specific features, badges, markings, and any imperfections or areas of concern.
- Operational Videos: Include videos of cold starts, engine running, driving footage, and demonstrations of features like lights, gauges, and accessories.
Detailed and Honest Description: While BaT drafts the official listing description, providing them with a comprehensive and candid account of your car’s history, condition, and features is vital. Honesty and transparency build trust with potential buyers and can prevent issues later in the auction process. Key elements of a strong description include:
- Vehicle History: Provide as much history as you know, including ownership history, service records, restoration work, and any notable events.
- Condition Disclosure: Be upfront about both the positive aspects and any flaws or imperfections. This includes cosmetic blemishes, mechanical issues, and any known quirks.
- Options and Modifications: Clearly list all factory options and any modifications or upgrades that have been made to the car.
- Documentation: Mention any available documentation, such as original manuals, service records, ownership paperwork, or restoration receipts.
Rob Siegel – Bring A Trailer – IMG_4482
Image: A classic BMW E9 coupe parked in a garage, representing the careful storage and preparation often undertaken by classic car owners before selling on platforms like Bring a Trailer.
Navigating the Bring a Trailer Submission and Auction Process
Once your car is prepared, the next step is submitting it to Bring a Trailer. The submission process involves providing detailed information about the vehicle, uploading photos and videos, and completing BaT’s online submission form.
Submission and Approval: After submitting your listing, BaT’s team will review it to determine if your car is a good fit for their platform. This review process can take time, and acceptance is not guaranteed. Be prepared for a potential waiting period before hearing back from BaT.
Working with the Auction Specialist: If your car is accepted, BaT will assign you an Auction Specialist. This specialist will be your primary point of contact throughout the auction process. They will use the information and materials you provide to draft the official listing description.
Description Review and Refinement: It is crucial to carefully review the draft description provided by BaT. While they aim for accuracy, it’s your responsibility to ensure all details are correct and that the description accurately reflects your car. Politely request any necessary corrections or additions to the description. While BaT may have a “house voice,” they are generally receptive to factual corrections and incorporating important details provided by the seller.
Engaging in the Comments Section: Once the auction goes live, actively monitor the comments section. Be prepared to answer questions from potential bidders promptly and honestly. The comment section can be a valuable tool to further elaborate on the car’s details, address concerns, and engage with the community. Consider posting your own detailed, candid description as the first comment to frame the auction and proactively address potential questions, as the original author effectively did.
Rob Siegel – Bring A Trailer – IMG_4476
Image: Close-up detail shot of a classic car’s exterior, emphasizing the importance of highlighting both positive attributes and any minor imperfections when selling on Bring a Trailer.
Maximizing Your Success on Bring a Trailer
Selling a classic car on Bring a Trailer requires a strategic approach to maximize your chances of a successful and profitable sale.
Transparency and Honesty are Key: In the Bring a Trailer environment, transparency is highly valued. Disclosing all known flaws and imperfections upfront builds trust with bidders and can actually enhance your credibility as a seller. Don’t try to hide issues; address them directly and honestly in your description and comments.
Respond Promptly and Professionally: Engage with potential bidders in the comments section in a timely and professional manner. Answer questions thoroughly and respectfully. Your responsiveness and demeanor can influence bidders’ confidence and willingness to bid.
Set Realistic Expectations: Research comparable sales on Bring a Trailer and other platforms to establish a realistic price range for your car. While BaT can often yield strong results, overpricing your car or setting an unrealistic reserve price can deter bidding activity.
Consider a No Reserve Auction: While risky, a no-reserve auction can sometimes generate more excitement and bidding competition, potentially leading to a higher final sale price. However, be prepared to sell the car for whatever the highest bid reaches.
Be Patient: The Bring a Trailer process, from submission to auction completion, can take several weeks. Be patient and allow sufficient time for each stage of the process.
Rob Siegel – Bring A Trailer – DSC_0505_cropped
Image: A detail shot pointing out a body seam on a classic car, illustrating the level of detail and potential imperfections that should be disclosed in a Bring a Trailer listing.
Conclusion: Is Bring a Trailer Right for Your Classic Car?
Bring a Trailer offers a compelling platform for selling classic and enthusiast cars. Its curated audience, dynamic auction format, and emphasis on transparency can lead to successful sales, often at strong prices. However, the platform is not without its complexities. The submission process, description drafting, and auction management require time, effort, and a strategic approach.
For sellers of well-maintained, desirable classic cars who are willing to invest the necessary preparation and engagement, Bring a Trailer can be an excellent choice. By understanding the platform’s nuances, preparing your car meticulously, and embracing transparency, you can navigate the BaT auction experience effectively and maximize your chances of a successful sale. While the process may have its quirks, as highlighted by the original author’s experience, the results often speak for themselves, making Bring a Trailer a powerful tool in the classic car market.
Rob Siegel – Bring A Trailer – DSC_0544
Image: A classic car interior showcasing customized upholstery, reminding sellers to be transparent about any modifications or non-original features when listing on Bring a Trailer.
Rob Siegel – Bring A Trailer – DSC_0478_cropped
Image: Close-up of a BMW emblem on a classic car, emphasizing the importance of authenticating details and being accurate in vehicle descriptions on auction sites like Bring a Trailer.
Rob Siegel – Bring A Trailer – DSC_0502
Image: A classic car gleaming in sunlight, highlighting the visual appeal and presentation that are crucial for attracting bidders on Bring a Trailer.
Rob Siegel – Bring A Trailer – IMG_4518
Image: Undercarriage view of a classic car on a lift, demonstrating the importance of thorough undercarriage inspection and photography for transparency in online car auctions.
Rob Siegel – Bring A Trailer – Mike
Image: A final Bring a Trailer auction result screenshot, symbolizing the successful outcome that can be achieved by effectively utilizing the platform for selling classic cars.
